Holi in North America Celebrated with Indo-Caribbean Flavour

By Roop Misir

  Large numbers of Indians come to Canada and the United Stated of America from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, the Indian subcontinent and elsewhere. A great many of us celebrate Holi.

Holi as the Indian Spring Festival of Colours

  Like other festivals in India, Holi has two faces – cultural and religious. To many people, Holi is celebrated as the “Festival of Colours.” It falls on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun according to the Indian Calendar. The spring harvest festival of Holi is observed mainly by Hindus of northern India, though its appeal is universal as others love to join in the fun. Festivities can last from two to five days in March every year, and take many forms, reflecting tradition in different parts of India. Typically, merry makers crowd in towns, cities and villages. In streets, parks and public places, revellers intermingle and spread happiness and joy. Traditionally, bonfires are lit in public places on the evening before the first day. Then on Holi day, people celebrate with festive vibrancy and wild abandon as they throw coloured powder and water at one other. Traditionalists offer harvested grains and coconuts as oblation to the fire as they rejoice at the bountiful harvest.

Religious Aspects of Holi

  Holi evokes similar sentiments in Hindus as Eid in Muslims and Christmas in Christians. In Hindu temples and other places of congregation, stories are recounted that lend a distinct religious flavour. For example, the story of the boy devotee Prince Prahalad, who always used to chant God's name in the palace. Bhakt Prahalad had Lord Vishnu's blessings. His father King Hiranya Kashyap never believed in God, and scolded Prahalad whenever he used to see him chanting God's name. Prahalad was always cool and composed and never became angry or afraid. Although given many forms of punishment by his angry father,

Prahalad’s faith in God only increased. In desperation, King Hiranya Kashyap sought the help of Holika, his sister. One of her special gifts of power was that she could never be burnt by fire. On the orders of her brother the King, she made Prahalad sit on her lap and then she herself sat on a burning pyre. But the opposite happened. Holika was reduced to ashes whereas Prahalad came out unscathed. 

  This is the reason why Hindus celebrate Holi first by burning the wooden pyre, symbolically representing Holika. They also interpret the burning of Holika to ashes as the victory of good over evil. Nowadays, the true significance of Holi is extended to include other desired attributes—like friendship over enmity, and a person’s trust over suspicion. The theme of Holi has since become one of “Universal brotherhood”. This is the key to celebration of the festival of Holi.

Fun Aspects of Holi Celebrations in Metro Toronto

  Holi is also known as “Phagwa.” In Toronto, the weather is still cold. But the spirit of Holi lives in the minds as it warms the heart. This is immortalized in poetry:


The spring sun warms as it surely thaws
The thinning white blanketing the Earth.
As the last snow melts the days get longer
Heralding the end of chilling winter’s stay.
It’s the month of Phalgun and now it’s Holi
The long awaited Festival of Colour galore

  Phagwa is a unifying social force that brings together Indians (and Hindus in particular) from diverse social backgrounds. For the faithful, there are numerous discourses and rituals to commemorate the season. It’s a time to rededicate themselves to the service of God and fellow humans. For those who are eager to have a joyful time, at long last Holi has finally arrived: “Holi Hai”, “It is Holi” . There are stage shows featuring talented artistes and latest Bollywood films and fashions. Family and friends visit one another, and exchange gifts and pleasantries.

Phagwah Parade in New York City

Indians who went to the Caribbean as indentured immigrants in the 19th century and early 20th century brought Holi to Guyana, Surinam, and Trinidad & Tobago. This special holiday flourished and gained the name “Phagwah.” In Guyana and Surinam, Phagwah became important national holidays, and employees now get the day off from work. Since the 1970s many Guyanese have emigrated to the United States, especially to Richmond Hill and Jamaica in Queens, New York City. They brought the “Phagwah” tradition to their new home. Every year, the Phagwah parade is held along Liberty Avenue. This year’s parade was held on March 4. It’s now an established event as Indians take pride in Phagwah and extend the hand of friendship to fellow citizens.

Yes, the days of Phagwa are here to make
Outdoors or indoors wherever you may be
In Holi’s uninhibited revelry let’s partake
The unbridled joy seasoned with delight.
Enchanted and exuberant it acts like a tonic


Multiculturalism in Action

  Apart from economic opportunities, reasons why immigrants choose to settle in Canada and the United States are tolerance for peoples of different cultures. Canada’s policy of official multiculturalism is evolving into a recognition of the value and benefits of our “cultural diversity” and "cultural mosaic". Though the late winter climate may be harsh, both countries provide suitable backdrop for showcasing our immigrant culture of tolerance. Of course, many North Americans are more fascinated by fun, food and fashion.



Adapt or be Lonely?

  Holi is one of the few Indian festivals that is celebrated publicly and with great gusto. For new immigrants with few friends and no relatives here, life can indeed be lonely. To many of them no doubt, Holi or Eid can be just another day. But thankfully though, there are dozens of wonderful events in major cities across Canada and the United States of America. As for Holi, planned events are held in temples and community centres. And best of all, for the most part admission is free.

However, for celebrations with a modern twist that appeal to the younger generation, there are numerous concerts and stage shows featuring local talent and visiting artistes. Not forgetting Indian food and fashion which have been gaining popularity in recent years. Surely, a festival like Holi must be celebrated with large groups of merrymakers. The more the merrier! So why stay home and watch TV when you can be part of the festive and the joyous?

  We live in a world beset by mistrust, deceit and hate. A world where different groups are vying for superiority as they feel “convinced” that only their viewpoint is right . Or that their way is the only way.

  As far as the celebration of Holi is concerned, social barriers are removed as people embrace each other in fun and play.

  Is the true message of Holi a lesson in social harmony? For other than having a good time during Holi (and other festive days), are these lessons useful in promoting social justice, racial harmony and mutual respect?
  Time will tell!

[Dr. Roop Misir is an Indo-Guyanese Canadian Teacher with the Toronto District School Board. He can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ]